Just regular times

More days are passing, getting us closer to our end in Malaysia. We are certainly enjoying the weather here -especially when we hear about the awful weather in the States.

We had two days off from school and work last week due to Chinese New Year. We had our regular "Bao Jiaozi Bash" but this time, like Christmas Eve, we decided to invite friends to join us. It was a big hit. Tons of Chinese food (all made by me and my wonderful family!) and LOTS of jiaozi (dumplings) They were the best we've ever made! We've decided to continue the tradition shared with us by the Toronto's in Beijing. Next year, if you live near us, come and join us for Chinese New Year!

Mark is busy with church, work and applying for jobs. Marcus travels 4 hours away for theater competition this week. He may even get a chance to see his old drama teacher from Beijing, who is supposed to be teaching in Penang, where he is going. Casey is doing great and is very happy in the dark room. She is now attempting "analog photoshop" which means she's trying to photoshop the old-fashioned way - without a computer and only in the dark room. Jordan has taken to exploring up the hill towards the jungle lately. He has more free time on his hands these days due to a D and a C on his last report card. No Xbox now. :) Benjamin is playing soccer and staying busy running around outside. He's like the Energizer Bunny, he just goes and goes.

Me, I'm excited to start my last term in school. I've also been working on a program to teach Disaster Awareness for the Red Crescent Society (Red Cross in non-Christian nations). It's turning out pretty awesome, if I do say so myself! I've turned in my resignation for work and will stop working the end of March. My dream would then be to actually teach the program I've designed for the RCS until we leave in June/July. But we'll see what the Lord has planned for me. :)

Funny times. We were doing our regular scripture reading tonight. Casey was teasing Jordan about something. He wanted to throw a pillow at her. Marcus suggested instead he throw a fake punch across the room. He did. Casey reacted (fakely). Pretty funny in the middle of scripture reading. Then Ben fell off the chair, for no reason other than he was bored. Our scripture readings are so entertaining. Jordan started complaining when I asked a question that I was not clear on. I suggested that if he could watch 4 movies this afternoon, he could pay attention for 5 more minutes. Marcus said we needed different camera angles to help keep him attentive. So I changed the angle of my head and suggested to Mark to change his voice every verse or so. Somehow Jordan made it through the rest of the lesson/reading. After reading we did our usual family prayer. Casey was praying, Mark quietly reminded her about a particular person, she responded - in the prayer. We all started cracking up and had to restart the prayer. Afterwards Casey complained about Marcus' hands being clammy. So he wiped them on her shirt. Squeal! Then we dog-piled her. We love our scripture reading!